GRAND RAPIDS, MI – City Manager Greg Sundstrom wants help determining what qualities to seek in a new police chief. In addition to an online survey here, three public forums are scheduled this week and another is planned next week.

Sundstrom said the public input will help craft a police chief profile that a consultant can use to recruit prospective candidates. City Commission last month agreed to pay Police Executive Research Forum up to $34,000 to guide the search.

Belk retired Thursday, Feb. 6, and will get his first pension check at the end of the month, said Peggy Korzen, director of the city’s pension systems. Under city ordinance, Belk can work for the city up to 700 hours this year and still draw his full pension, she said.

Belk plans to work as chief until Sundstrom hires a new chief. Belk is being paid at the same rate as he was before retirement, Jelks said.